Skip to content
WORDS, MADE CLEAR.
Your everyday English companion

English dictionary

asmr Meaning & Definition

ˌā-ˌes-ˌem-ˈär

What Does Asmr Mean?

As a noun, asmr means a pleasant tingling sensation that originates on the back of the scalp and often spreads to the neck and upper spine, that occurs in some people in response to a stimulus (such as a particular kind of sound or movement), and that tends to have a calming effect. It is also used to mean something (such as someone whispering or brushing their hair) that triggers such a sensation.

Asmr at a Glance

Part of speechnoun
Pronunciation/ˌā-ˌes-ˌem-ˈär/
Syllables4
First known use2011

Asmr Definition (Noun)

  1. a pleasant tingling sensation that originates on the back of the scalp and often spreads to the neck and upper spine, that occurs in some people in response to a stimulus (such as a particular kind of sound or movement), and that tends to have a calming effect

    It might sound like a bafflingly bizarre way to spend time on the internet. But for Maria's viewers, her voice and movements hold a certain magic: they can instill tranquillity, overcome insomnia—and induce a mysterious physical sensation known as … ASMR, wherein the body is flooded with waves of euphoric tingles. / A survey found that the most common triggers for ASMR are whispering, personal attention, crisp sounds, slow movements, repetitive movements, and smiling. / Although ASMR is not scientifically proven as yet and is largely an internet-driven phenomenon, it's garnered quite a following …

  2. something (such as someone whispering or brushing their hair) that triggers such a sensation

    And since quarantine started, I've watched ASMR before bed almost every single night to fall asleep.

Synonyms of Asmr

The source does not list synonyms for this entry.

Asmr synonyms and antonyms →

Asmr in a Sentence

It might sound like a bafflingly bizarre way to spend time on the internet. But for Maria's viewers, her voice and movements hold a certain magic: they can instill tranquillity, overcome insomnia—and induce a mysterious physical sensation known as … ASMR, wherein the body is flooded with waves of euphoric tingles.

A survey found that the most common triggers for ASMR are whispering, personal attention, crisp sounds, slow movements, repetitive movements, and smiling.

Although ASMR is not scientifically proven as yet and is largely an internet-driven phenomenon, it's garnered quite a following …

And since quarantine started, I've watched ASMR before bed almost every single night to fall asleep.

It might sound like a bafflingly bizarre way to spend time on the internet. But for Maria's viewers, her voice and movements hold a certain magic: they can instill tranquillity, overcome insomnia—and induce a mysterious physical sensation known as … ASMR, wherein the body is flooded with waves of euphoric tingles. / A survey found that the most common triggers for ASMR are whispering, personal attention, crisp sounds, slow movements, repetitive movements, and smiling. / Although ASMR is not scientifically proven as yet and is largely an internet-driven phenomenon, it's garnered quite a following …

Word Forms & Grammar

ASMR

ASMRs

First Known Use

2011

How to Pronounce Asmr

The standard pronunciation of asmr is /ˌā-ˌes-ˌem-ˈär/, spoken in 4 syllables, with the main stress on the fourth syllable (är).

Merriam-WebsterReference content from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate® Dictionary and Collegiate® Thesaurus © Merriam-Webster Inc.Data credits & licensing